Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, the Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has, through a press briefing, announced the upcoming supplementary voter registration set to take place from January 21 to February 3, 2025. This initiative aims to ensure that eligible Malawians who missed the initial registration phases can participate in the upcoming General Election on September 16, 2025.
The supplementary registration comes in response to challenges faced during the initial voter registration process, which began on October 21, 2024. Justice Mtalimanja highlighted issues concerning civil registration services, saying that some individuals were unable to register as voters due to delays in receiving their national identity cards from the National Registration Bureau (NRB).
Justice Mtalimanja referenced a High Court ruling from October 25, 2024, which mandated the NRB to implement mechanisms to assist those who meet eligibility criteria but lack proof of registration. This order necessitated the supplementary voter registration, as it allows individuals who either registered with the NRB after voter registration commenced or those who applied for civil registration but did not receive their unique identification numbers to register as voters.
“The supplementary voter registration is not an extension of the voter registration period but specifically targets individuals who missed the initial counts due to administrative challenges,” emphasized Justice Mtalimanja.
During her briefing, she clarified that the supplementary registration will occur in three phases across 1,974 designated registration centers, representing 31% of the total centers available. The supplementary drive will engage approximately a maximum of 271,854 people who have recently registered with the NRB.
The first phase of voter registration will occur on January 21 and 22 in a number of councils, including Lilongwe, Mangochi, Mwanza, and Nsanje. Phase two is scheduled for January 27 and 28, covering councils like Nkhata Bay, Rumphi, and Zomba among others, while the final phase will take place on February 2 and 3 in areas including Karonga, Mzuzu City, and Chiradzulu among others.
Justice Mtalimanja urged eligible voters to present themselves at registration centers from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the designated dates. She also reminded attendees that the Elections Management Devices (EMDs) would cease to register individuals after the close of the final day of the supplementary registration.
To ensure transparency and integrity, the Commission is encouraging political parties and civil society organizations to deploy representatives to monitor the voter registration process. Observers are vital for maintaining credibility during this crucial exercise, aligning with the principle of democratic leadership as embodied in the theme for the upcoming elections.
Justice Mtalimanja concluded by underscoring the importance of active citizen participation in the electoral process, calling on Malawians to respect the laws governing voter registration and to make their voices heard through their votes.
